PETALING JAYA, Oct 18 — Public Accounts Committee (PAC) members welcomed the appointment of Datuk Hasan Arifin as the committee’s new chairman.

Deputy chairman Dr Tan Seng Giaw said the role of chairman was “a difficult one” and not many would want to take up the position.

“The PAC does not only come under scrutiny of Malaysians but the whole world. It is important we have someone who is able to garner the respect of critics locally and abroad,’’ he said.

“I do not know him (Hasan) well. All I know is he became Rompin MP following the demise of Tan Sri Jamaluddin Jarjis.”

Dr Tan said Hasan’s appointment would expedite investigations into 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), which had been suspended after former chairman Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed relinquished his position following his appointment as deputy home minister.

PAC member Tony Pua said he was looking forward to continuing the work of PAC with Hasan.

“The people have high hopes for PAC to finish their investigations into 1MDB and Amanah Rakyat’s purchase of an apartment block in Melbourne,’’ he said.

Deputy Education Minister and Hulu Selangor MP P. Kamalanathan said Hasan was the right man for the job.

“Although new in PAC, he is a veteran in government administration as he was a four-term assemblyman and former deputy menteri besar,’’ he said.

“His experience would be an immense asset in carrying out his duties well as the PAC chairman.’’

Baling MP Datuk Seri Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim said Hasan has a solid background in finance and would be able to contribute immensely.

“I believe he is a great addition to the PAC,’’ he said.